City of Bloomington

The Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council has three infrastructure projects and one workforce development program earmarked for a request for funding by Congress and federal agencies as part of the annual One Voice trip to Washington.

Homebuilders put up just 58 single-family homes and duplexes in Bloomington last year — fewer than the 66 built in 2024. City officials hope other actions focusing on existing housing will help ease the community housing shortage.

Water conservation measures by Bloomington residents are still voluntary for now. Mayor Dan Brady said if the levels in the reservoir fall another two feet, they might not stay optional.

For the first 100 years of Bloomington history, water was scarce. In 1929, the formation of Lake Bloomington began after periods of drought, contamination and scarcity of safe drinking water.

Brett Lueschen is the City of Bloomington's new water director.

The Bloomington City Council ultimately voted 8-1 to authorize spending up to $120,000 on 145 new Walther PDP handguns for the police department.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens has signed a proclamation that mandates restrictions intended to reduce water use by 10% across all sectors, including residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional, wholesale and for electric power generation.

Town of Normal staff are signaling a potential need for significant rate increases in several programs including water and sewer, recycling, landscape waste and trash pickups. City Manager Pam Reece said a need for new sewage lift stations and cost recovery for hauling will require a council policy discussion.

Bloomington residents and businesses can no longer possess or sell the herbal substance kratom and synthetic alternatives, following action taken by the city council.

The District 87 school board on Wednesday heard about the need for a gymnasium project and updates on student growth and habits.